MEA cites reports of civilian deaths, injuries and police brutality in PoK as unrest over refugee seat reservations intensifies
India on Tuesday strongly condemned Pakistan’s crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), citing reports of civilian deaths, injuries and excessive use of force by security personnel.
Reacting to the violence, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said there were reports of severe police brutality in PoK, where clashes between demonstrators and security forces have reportedly left several people dead and many others injured.
“We hope the international community will hold Pakistan accountable for its misdeeds and abuses,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said while addressing the issue.
India’s remarks came amid reports that more than 30 protesters were killed and over 200 people injured during a security operation launched by Pakistani authorities against demonstrators in the region.
The MEA described the developments as an attempt by Pakistan to divert attention from its own governance challenges and human rights concerns.
“It is a desperate attempt by Pakistan to cover up its own failings and deflect attention away from its human rights abuses,” Jaiswal said.
Protests linked to refugee seat reservations
The unrest comes ahead of planned demonstrations called by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), which has opposed the reservation of 12 assembly seats for refugees in the July 27 elections to the region’s legislative assembly.
The group has also raised concerns over internet shutdowns, previous incidents of violence, unemployment, inflation, electricity shortages, alleged exploitation of local resources and political marginalisation.
JAAC has emerged as a prominent civil society alliance in PoK, spearheading campaigns on economic and political issues affecting the region.
JAAC declared unlawful
Authorities in PoK recently declared the JAAC an unlawful organisation, citing concerns related to public order and security.
Tensions escalated in Rawalakot on Sunday after the reported death of a trader who was allegedly shot during a confrontation with law enforcement personnel days earlier.
Members of the JAAC have rejected the government’s action, describing the ban as an act of oppression and maintaining that their movement is focused on legitimate political and economic demands.
Human rights concerns raised
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has also expressed concern over the decision to ban the JAAC under anti-terrorism laws.
In a statement, the rights body condemned the loss of lives, use of force and communication restrictions imposed in the region.
“While dialogue is essential, it cannot be meaningful amid the continued political disenfranchisement of the region’s people. The right to peaceful protest must be upheld, and grievances addressed transparently,” the HRCP said.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue security deployments across the region ahead of the planned protests.
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